Gameweek 9 action of the TAL Crystal Ball events kicks-off with the match between FC Kougen Kikou and Yataghan BFC.

The final third of the season beckons as teams have fallen into packs. There are three teams still mathematically capable of winning the title: Horizons FC, Saints FC and Gremio FC, but it is a long shot that Horizons will drop enough points for either of the two below them to catch up. Yataghan BFC, Flipkart FC, Samba FC and FC Kougen Kikou are safe from relegation and will be playing for bragging rights while also experimenting with new formations and tactics.

The rest of the teams: Mavericks FC, Project 7, Rare Dare FC, Mercurial FC and Indian Ocean are still fighting to ensure their spot in the division next season and survival instincts should kick in for some teams, whereas some may crumble under the pressure.

8:30AM – FC Kougen Kikou v Yataghan BFC

Gameweek 9 kicks off when Yataghan BFC takes on FC Kougen Kikou. Yataghan has been in good form, especially in attack and will be looking to fully utilize their attacking prowess. FC Kougen Kikou has a more disciplined approach to their play but with nothing to lose, they will be looking to play with more flair. Both teams are comfortable with their division status and are vying for the open fourth spot, which should make this an exciting and open game.

Crystal Ball: FC Kougen Kikou 2 – 2 Yataghan BFC

10:00AM – Flipkart FC v Indian Ocean

The second game of the day features Flipkart FC and Indian Ocean. Flipkart is coming off a loss to Samba and will be looking to rebound from that. Indian Ocean currently sits at the bottom of the table hoping the tide turns in their favour but for that to happen they need to bring their full strength squad. Flipkart have secured their position in the division for next season and might want to test out different formations and tactics. Indian Ocean needs a win desperately and will be looking to come out with all guns blazing.

Crystal Ball: Flipkart FC 1 – 2 Indian Ocean

11:30 AM – Mavericks FC v Project 7

The morning session rounds off with Mavericks FC going head-to-head with Project 7. This is an important match for both teams, who find themselves in the relegation battle, but more so for Mavericks who face Saints and Horizons in the final two games. A point could be enough for either team to survive but at this stage both will be looking to get the three points and secure their status. Both teams like to attack and an open game is on the cards.

Crystal Ball: Mavericks FC 2 – 1 Project 7

1:15PM – Saints FC v Samba FC

The afternoon session kicks off with Saints FC playing Samba FC. Saints FC has been in outstanding form throughout the season having lost only one game (to Horizons FC in GW 6) but with only three games to go and Horizons continuing to be relentless in their pursuit of the title, Samba might have to shift their title hopes to next season. Samba FC have been the most improved team from last season and after clinching all 3 points against Flipkart FC in GW 8, Samba couldn’t have asked for a better time for this match up. Saints are expected to win and the defensive mettle of Samba FC will truly be tested.

Crystal Ball: Saints FC 2 -0 Samba FC

2:45 PM – Rare Dare FC v Gremio FC

The second game of the afternoon session features Rare Dare FC and Gremio FC. RDFC have been a vastly improved team from the start of the season but still find themselves deep in the relegation battle having lost to Yataghan in GW 8. Gremio FC seems to have secured third place but with three games still to go, they are hoping for a slip up from either Saints or Horizons to move up the table. RDFC are expected to stay up in the division given the wealth of talent at their disposal but slow starts to games have often put them on the back foot till now.

Crystal Ball: Rare Dare FC 1 – 2 Gremio FC

4:15PM – Mercurial FC v Horizons FC

The final game of the day has Mercurial FC going up against Horizons FC. Mercurial FC is coming off consecutive wins, but Horizons will prove to be a test of a different kind with the latter not dropping any points to date. Mercurial’s fate might not be decided until the final day but if they manage to steal a point of the champions-elect, Mercurial will probably pull off a miraculous escape. Horizons FC don’t look like they can be stopped, but football has a funny way of making things interesting just when you think all is lost – or won.